mandela was the first african president-elected. news of his death came from current president jacob zuma. >> our nation has lost its greatest son. our people have lost a father. >> reporter: nelson mandela was a statesman and man of the people. he spent 27 years in prison for fighting apartide and was celebrated when he walked free with his then wife. mandela was already a hero by then. an international symbol of the fight against injustice. but mandela never expressed bitterness about his time behind bars. instead he called for reconciliation and forgiveness. four years after his release he was elected president. he also won the noble peace prize along with the man who freed him, f.w.declark. >>> mandela lived thousands of miles away but had a profound connection to a the bay area. mandela is being remembered and honored tonight. christien kafton has the story. >> reporter: it's clear what an influence nelson mandela had here. he influenced people here and in south africa and around the world to make the place they live better. be